Revelation 21:8

KJV

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the fearful {G1169}, and {G2532} unbelieving {G571}, and {G2532} the abominable {G948}, and {G2532} murderers {G5406}, and {G2532} whoremongers {G4205}, and {G2532} sorcerers {G5332}, and {G2532} idolaters {G1496}, and {G2532} all {G3956} liars {G5571}, shall have their {G846} part {G3313} in {G1722} the lake {G3041} which {G3588} burneth {G2545} with fire {G4442} and {G2532} brimstone {G2303}: which is {G3603} the second {G1208} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as for the cowardly, the untrustworthy, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those involved with the occult and with drugs, idol-worshippers, and all liars — their destiny is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, the second death.”

Berean Standard Bible

But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

American Standard Version

But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:8 serves as a stark and solemn counterpoint to the glorious vision of the new heaven and new earth, detailing the ultimate destiny of those who will be excluded from God's eternal presence. Following the promise of a renewed creation and intimate fellowship with God, this verse enumerates a specific list of character traits and unrepentant sins—ranging from spiritual cowardice and unbelief to moral depravity and spiritual rebellion—that lead to a final, irreversible separation from God, described as the "second death" in the lake of fire. It underscores the absolute holiness and justice of God, emphasizing the eternal consequences of rejecting His gracious offer of salvation and persisting in defiance of His righteous character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 21:8 stands in profound contrast to the preceding verses, which paint a breathtaking picture of the new creation, the descent of the New Jerusalem, and God's dwelling among humanity, where every tear is wiped away and death, sorrow, crying, and pain are no more ([Revelation 21:1-7](/revelation/21-1-7 "The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem")). This verse immediately follows God's declaration, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" ([Revelation 21:6-7](/revelation/21-6-7 "God's Promise to the Overcomers")). The inclusion of verse 8, therefore, serves as a critical clarification: while God's grace is boundless and His invitation universal, there are definitive boundaries to who will inherit these promises. It acts as a solemn warning, defining the character and ultimate fate of those who do *not* overcome, establishing the absolute necessity of faith and repentance within the eschatological narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities to whom Revelation was addressed faced intense persecution, particularly under the Roman Empire. The list of sins in this verse directly addresses the temptations and pressures of that era. "Fearful" (G1169 _deilós_) speaks to those who, out of fear of persecution, torture, or death, would deny Christ or compromise their faith. "Idolaters" (G1496 _eidōlolátrēs_) directly confronts the pervasive Roman imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor, and the widespread polytheism of the time. "Sorcerers" (G5332 _pharmakeús_) refers to practitioners of magic, witchcraft, and the use of drugs in such rituals, which were common in the Greco-Roman world and explicitly condemned in Scripture. The imagery of "fire and brimstone" (G4442 _pŷr_ and G2303 _theîon_) evokes Old Testament judgments, most notably the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "God Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah")), a familiar biblical symbol for divine wrath and complete annihilation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and justice, which necessitate the condemnation of unrepentant sin. It highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that persistent rebellion against God's character and commands leads to eternal separation. The specific enumeration of sins underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is directed at those whose lives and hearts are fundamentally opposed to Him. Crucially, the verse introduces the concept of the **"Second Death"** ([Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "The Lake of Fire is the Second Death")), clarifying that this is a spiritual demise—an eternal, conscious separation from God—distinct from physical death. It reinforces the theme of **Finality of Choice**, as the destiny described is irreversible, underscoring the urgency of responding to God's gracious offer of salvation in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fearful (Greek, _deilós'_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "dread," describes someone who is timid or cowardly. In this context, it signifies a spiritual cowardice—a lack of courage to stand for Christ, confess one's faith, or endure persecution. It's not about natural human fear, but a failure of faith that leads to apostasy or compromise, prioritizing self-preservation over faithfulness to God.
* **Unbelieving (Greek, _ápistos'_):** This word means "disbelieving" or "faithless." It refers to those who lack Christian faith, either by outright rejection of God's truth or by a persistent refusal to trust in Christ. This is not merely intellectual doubt but a fundamental spiritual posture of distrust and rebellion against God's revealed will and His offer of salvation. It is a state of being without saving faith.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** While commonly referring to physical death, in this context, "death" signifies a spiritual state. The "second death" (G1208 _deúteros_ G2288 _thánatos_) is an eternal separation from God, the source of all life. It is a state of spiritual demise, characterized by eternal judgment and alienation from God's presence, contrasting sharply with the eternal life offered to believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,"**: This comprehensive catalog of vices describes not merely isolated acts but character traits and lifestyles fundamentally opposed to God's nature and kingdom. "Fearful" and "unbelieving" point to a core spiritual deficiency—a lack of faith and courage to follow Christ. The subsequent list covers a range of moral and spiritual depravities: "abominable" (those who are detestable to God, often linked to idolatry and moral impurity), "murderers" (those who take human life unjustly), "whoremongers" (those engaged in sexual immorality), "sorcerers" (those practicing magic, witchcraft, or drug-induced spiritual experiences outside of God), "idolaters" (those who worship anything other than the one true God), and "all liars" (a broad category encompassing all forms of deceit and falsehood, summarizing a character of untruthfulness). The inclusion of "all liars" suggests that a fundamental opposition to truth, which is inherent in God's character, is a damning trait.
* **"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:"**: This clause declares the ultimate destination for those characterized by the preceding list. "Their part" (G3313 _méros_) signifies their allotted share or portion. The "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (G3041 _límnē_ G2545 _kaíō_ G4442 _pŷr_ G2303 _theîon_) is a vivid, terrifying image of divine judgment. This imagery draws from Old Testament accounts of God's judgment, particularly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing complete, fiery destruction and utter desolation. It represents a place of active, eternal torment and separation from God's holy presence.
* **"which is the second death."**: This final phrase definitively identifies the "lake of fire and brimstone" as the "second death" (G1208 _deúteros_ G2288 _thánatos_). This is a crucial theological concept in Revelation, distinguishing it from physical death (the "first death"). The second death is not annihilation but an eternal state of spiritual separation from God, a conscious existence in torment and alienation from the source of all life and blessing. It is the ultimate and irreversible consequence for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:8 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its solemn message. The most prominent is **Cataloging**, where a comprehensive list of specific sins and character types is presented. This technique emphasizes the breadth and seriousness of the behaviors and spiritual conditions that lead to eternal judgment, leaving no ambiguity about the nature of those excluded from God's kingdom. **Symbolism** is profoundly used with the phrase "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." This is not necessarily a literal description but a potent symbol of divine wrath, complete destruction, and eternal torment, drawing on Old Testament imagery (like Sodom and Gomorrah) to evoke a sense of utter finality and horror. The "second death" is also a powerful **Symbol** for eternal spiritual separation from God, distinct from physical death. Finally, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses of Revelation 21, which describe the new heaven and new earth and God's dwelling with humanity. This juxtaposition highlights the two ultimate and opposing destinies of humanity, making the consequences of one's choices abundantly clear and emphasizing the exclusivity of God's eternal kingdom for the redeemed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:8 is a profound theological statement on divine justice, the nature of sin, and the ultimate destiny of the unredeemed. It underscores God's absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate unrepentant sin in His presence. The "second death" is the ultimate expression of God's righteous judgment, revealing that the consequences of rejecting His grace are eternal and severe. This verse affirms that God is not only a God of love and mercy but also a God of justice who will hold all humanity accountable for their choices. The specific list of sins highlights that it is not merely isolated acts but a pattern of life and a heart condition—rooted in unbelief and a refusal to embrace God's truth—that leads to this tragic end. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of human rebellion and the infinite value of the salvation offered through Christ.

* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Jesus' Description of Eternal Punishment")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Warning Against Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:8 serves as a sober and urgent call to self-examination and a profound appreciation for God's grace. It compels us to consider the seriousness of sin, not merely as a list of forbidden actions, but as a deep-seated rebellion against God's character and His loving authority. The inclusion of "fearful" and "unbelieving" at the forefront of the list challenges us to assess the authenticity and depth of our faith. Are we merely intellectual assenters, or do we possess a living, active trust in God that empowers us to overcome the world's pressures and confess Christ boldly? This verse reminds us that true faith is not passive; it transforms our character and empowers us to shun the very behaviors listed. It motivates us to live righteously, not out of fear of punishment, but out of gratitude for the salvation that delivers us from such a fate. Ultimately, it underscores the critical choice before every individual: to accept God's gracious invitation to eternal life through Jesus Christ or to persist in rebellion, leading to eternal separation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the list of sins in Revelation 21:8 challenge my understanding of sin beyond mere actions to include a state of being or character?**
* **What does the "second death" reveal about the ultimate consequence of rejecting God's grace, and how does this motivate my faith and witness?**
* **In what ways might "fear" or "unbelief" hinder my full commitment to Christ, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Is the "lake of fire" a literal place or symbolic?**

Answer: The "lake of fire" is primarily a symbolic representation of eternal divine judgment, torment, and complete separation from God. While the imagery itself is vivid and draws from literal phenomena like fire and brimstone (evoking the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "God Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah")), its purpose is to convey the terrifying reality and finality of eternal punishment rather than to provide a precise geographical or physical description. It signifies a real, conscious, and eternal consequence for those who reject God, a place of ultimate separation from His presence and life.

**Why is "fearful" listed among such severe sins?**

Answer: The "fearful" (Greek: _deilós_) in this context refers not to normal human emotion, but to spiritual cowardice or timidity, particularly in the face of persecution or societal pressure to deny Christ. It's a failure of faith that leads to apostasy or compromise, prioritizing self-preservation over faithfulness to God. This kind of fear is a direct antithesis to the courage and conviction required to follow Jesus, especially in times of trial. It is closely linked to "unbelieving" because it represents a lack of trust in God's power to protect and sustain, leading one to abandon their faith rather than endure suffering for Christ's sake.

**What is the difference between the "first death" and the "second death"?**

Answer: The "first death" refers to physical death—the separation of the soul from the body. It is a natural consequence of sin that all humanity experiences ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). The "second death," as described in Revelation 21:8 and elsewhere in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "The Lake of Fire is the Second Death")), is spiritual death. It is the eternal, irreversible separation of an individual from the presence of God, the source of all life, light, and blessing. It is the ultimate punishment for unrepentant sin and is the fate of those whose names are not found in the Lamb's Book of Life. Believers, through Christ, have power over the second death ([Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Blessed are those who have part in the first resurrection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:8, with its stark declaration of judgment and the "second death," serves to magnify the glorious work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment and solution to the dire predicament presented in this verse. Humanity, by its very nature, falls into the categories listed—unbelieving, prone to fear, and entangled in sin. Yet, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, has provided the only escape from the "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." He conquered the power of sin and death itself, holding "the keys of Hades and of Death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). For the "fearful" and "unbelieving," Christ offers a faith that casts out fear and grants eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Eternal Life")). He bore the full wrath of God for our sins, demonstrating God's immense love while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Death")). By His sacrifice, He cleanses us from all abominations, murders, whoremongering, sorcery, idolatry, and lying, transforming our hearts and making us fit for the New Jerusalem. The "second death" has no power over those who are in Christ, for He is the Resurrection and the Life, promising that "whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, this verse, while terrifying in its judgment, ultimately points to the indispensable grace and redemptive power of Jesus, our only hope for eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:6

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.